Obesity clinic in Hatta offers exercise before surgery

A dedicated obesity clinic has opened at Hatta Hospital to help patients trim down.

A dedicated obesity and weight-management clinic has opened in Hatta to help residents trim down.

A high proportion of the UAE's population is overweight or obese – major risk factors for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes.

The clinic has opened at Hatta Hospital and is operated by Dubai Health Authority.

“Given the high prevalence of overweight and obese individuals in the country, we recognised the need for a dedicated clinic that provides customised weight-management plans, including weight-loss techniques, dietary plans, exercise programmes,” said Dr Saif Abdulla bin Lewali, chief executive of Hatta Hospital.

The clinic will help patients to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, he said.

The 2009 Dubai Household Health Survey found that 19 per cent of Dubai’s population exercised on a regular basis and 59 per cent did not consume enough fruit and vegetables.

“Healthy lifestyle modification requires dedication and support, especially since several crash diet and bariatric surgery options are available which are quick-fixes and often mask the problem,” said Dr Abdelaziz Al Zarooni, medical director of the hospital.

He said that bariatric, or weight loss, surgery was recommended in several cases.

But he warned that those who could control their weight through diet and exercise should not opt for shortcuts because lifestyle modification was a permanent solution and should be a way of life.

“Sustained measures of health education is important to drive home the message about the dangers of a sedentary life and fast-food culture that directly leads to expanding waistlines,” Dr Al Zarooni said.

“Our aim through this dedicated clinic is to encourage the community to incorporate simple changes in their lifestyle so that they can lead a healthier and a happier life.”